Police Hospital raise alarm over increasing drowning fatalities

Authorities at the Police Hospital are appealing to holiday makers who patronize beaches and other water bodies to be security conscious and avoid acts that put their lives in danger.

According to the Ghana Police Hospital per a statement it issued to warn the public of the development, drowning fatalities during festivities and recreational events is on the rise.

“Records at the Pathology Department of the hospital indicate that Sixty-eight (68) persons drowned in 2017. Eight (8) of them were females. This year up to November 30, 2018, forty-eight (48) drowning cases have already been recorded: Ten (10) of which were females.”

The statement signed by DSP Yaw Nketiah-Yeboah, asked parents, chaperons and heads of educational institutions to educate their wards on the dangers associated with water bodies, saying swimmers are to avoid taking alcohol before swimming and pay proper attention to swimming guidelines of such locations, while households should also always close properly their water receptacles to protect their children from falling into them.

Accidents
The police said road traffic accident records at the Pathology Department of the Ghana Police Hospital also indicate that 193 fatalities were recorded in 2017, with 27 of them being females, while 184 fatalities have so far been recorded this year, 46 of which were females.

It said 13 of such pedestrian knock-down victims could not be identified, and asked members of the public to always be in possession of personal identification cards to help Police and respondents easily identify them in the event of any accident or health challenges.

The statement listed Abeka, Adenta, Airport, Amasaman, Legon, Madina, Nima, Tesano and Weija as the most accident knock-down prone fatality locations in the national capital.

“Drivers are advised to take note of these highways and major roads particularly in Accra and drive according to the approved speed limits to help reduce these fatalities.

“Pedestrians are advised to wear bright colours or reflectors during the night to prompt drivers of their presence. It is also hoped that organizers of beach parties and other entertainment events especially near water bodies and road sides provide the needed security and create the necessary awareness amongst reverers to make the forth coming yuletide drowning and accident free."